The Detroit Lions' defense rattled Aaron Rodgers in a 19-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Our takeaways:
- Credit where credit is due: The much-maligned Lions' defense battered and frustrated Aaron Rodgers all game long, holding the quarterback to just 162 yards on 16-of-27 passing. The defensive line kept Eddie Lacy and Green Bay's running game in check and got after Rodgers. DeAndre Levy was phenomenal once again, but it was a banged-up secondary that played its best game in years. Coordinator Teryl Austin should wear a wide grin tonight.
- Rodgers generally destroys the Lions by picking apart a weak secondary. However, he never looked comfortable Sunday. The signal-caller was consistently pushed off his spot. He looked frustrated throughout the second half and couldn't find open receivers. Rodgers uncharacteristically missed badly on what should have been a touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, essentially icing the game.
- The Lions' rushing attack helped Matthew Stafford overcome three turnovers (twointerceptions and a fumble). Their running backs carried the ball 30 times and churned out yardage late against a worn-out Packers defense that was on the field all day. The quarterback played poorly, but his teammates picked him up.
- Reggie Bush put the Lions up two scores in final quarter with a 26-yard scamper. It was Bush's first run of 10-plus yards in four games.
- DeAndre Levy was a Pro Bowl snub last season and might finally be getting his due. Two other Lions defenders who deserve mention for stellar play Sunday: Cornerback Darius Slay performed admirably against Nelson, and rotational defensive end George Johnson made some big plays.
- The Packers' offensive line struggled all night. They couldn't give Rodgers a good pocket and provided no holes in the run game. Lacy's early fumble didn't help matters.
- Julius Peppers had a great game -- three QB hits, a strip sack, fumble recovery and was in Stafford's face all day. The Packers' entire D-line played well until late in the fourth.
- Lions kicker Nate Freese should be looking for a new job soon.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps all of the Week 3 action and picks the top team in the AFC.
